How Bigs Benefit from Being Mentors

Jun 23, 2025

How Bigs Benefit from Being Mentors

When you become a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters, you're not just changing a child’s life — you're transforming your own. Many of our volunteer mentors across Florida say that mentoring brings them a deep sense of connection, purpose, and personal growth. In a world where adult loneliness is increasing, becoming a mentor offers an antidote rooted in meaningful relationships and community.

Find Your Community Through Mentorship

Mentorship connects adults with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who believe in making a difference. Whether through local Big Brothers Big Sisters events, online support groups, or shared experiences with other mentors, Bigs often feel a renewed sense of belonging and purpose.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory, a lack of social connection can have a serious impact on our well-being, similar in magnitude to other major health risks. A lack of social connection is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. On the positive side, people with strong social connections have a significantly higher chance of living longer, with improved physical and mental health (HHS.gov).

Build Meaningful Friendships

One of the most unexpected gifts of mentoring is the development of deep, rewarding friendships. While Bigs join to support a child, many end up forming meaningful personal relationships through the experience. These aren’t just surface-level interactions — they’re built on trust, shared growth, and time spent navigating life together.

Unlike typical social settings, mentoring offers an opportunity to connect through purpose. These connections often become lasting friendships that enrich your life in ways you didn’t anticipate. For some mentors, their relationship with their Little grows to resemble a lifelong bond similar to family.

Friendship through mentoring can also lead to greater empathy and emotional fulfillment. According to research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development — one of the longest-running studies on human happiness — close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives (Harvard Gazette).

Grow Personally and Professionally

Bigs often report increased emotional intelligence, communication skills, and leadership ability through their mentoring experience. Many describe their Little as someone who helped them grow just as much as they helped their mentee. From greater patience to a more open worldview, the personal development benefits are powerful and lasting.

Volunteering has also been shown to boost happiness and reduce symptoms of depression. A study from Carnegie Mellon University found that adults over 50 who volunteered regularly were less likely to develop high blood pressure, a key risk factor for heart disease (CMU.edu, PubMed).

Why Mentorship is Especially Powerful for Men

Mentoring is especially impactful for men, many of whom struggle to build deep emotional connections in adulthood. Studies show that men are less likely than women to maintain close friendships as they age, increasing their risk of loneliness and isolation.

Becoming a Big Brother provides men with an opportunity to form meaningful bonds, both with their Little and with other male mentors. These experiences can lead to stronger emotional resilience, improved mental health, and a sense of identity as a role model. A Movember Foundation survey found that over 30 percent of men report feeling lonely at least once a week (Movember UK, Survey PDF).

Additionally, the presence of positive male role models is critical for youth development, especially for boys growing up without a father figure. When men step into this role, they not only uplift a child’s life — they often rediscover their own strengths and values in the process.

Why Volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Our mentoring program in Florida offers more than just a chance to give back. It’s a movement built on connection. It provides a platform where adults can combat isolation, improve mental well-being, and make a meaningful impact. With ongoing support, flexible time commitments, and a lasting mission, being a Big is a chance to enrich your life and someone else’s.

Ready to Experience the Benefits of Mentorship?

If you're ready to volunteer as a mentor and experience the personal rewards of being a Big, we invite you to learn more and see how a few hours each month can create lasting change, for both you and your Little.

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